This week the word with: Kano

Mobo Award winner for Best New Artist, Brit Award nominated and announced one of "London's Heroes of 2005" by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, Kano is taking Grime to a new level of success. The only British person to be featured in the game Def Jam: Icon, Kano has received praise from many music critics and his smooth techniques have earned him fame in the States.

Which artists have influenced you and your style of music?
Wiley, Jay-Z, Bounty, Buju Banton.

Who is your ultimate hero and why?
My mum is my ultimate hero, she brought me up and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Movado

What advice for success would you give everyone at Reprezent 87.7FM?
Keep your passion and drive alive- you can’t succeed if you don’t have these things.

Why do you think this Reprezent 87.FM project is great?
It’s a breath of fresh air, it’s great that young people are running the show and playing good tunes. Reprezent 87.7FM gives youths a qualification and gives them something interesting to do, getting them off the streets. We need more projects and youth clubs for young people to give them something interesting to do.

Your next album is entitled ‘140 Grime Street,’ what does this mean?
140 ‘cause that’s the tempo of the music, Grime Street ‘cause that’s where grime comes from.

Finish this sentence: I like Peckham because….
…that’s where Reprezent is at, playing great tunes.

What would your ultimate Saturday night be?
At my mums, aunts or family member for dinner. My mum does the best spare ribs!

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you take with you?
My ipod, Blackberry, and Guinness punch.

So what tunes are you playing on your ipod?/
Movado ‘So Special,’ my track Hustler, and Little Way

The best ever Christmas present?
My mum got me a hoody dressing gown for Christmas once and it’s the best present because I used it, not like soaps and stuff I never use.

So whats next for you?
My album ‘140 Grime Street is out 7th September, and my next single ‘Hustler’ is out 22nd September. Check out my web page:

Your favourite pizza toppings?
Its gotta be Hawaiian or Meat Feast!

Favourtie film?
Goodfellas

Favourite actor?
Samuel L Jackson

Favourite actress?
Jessica Alba- ‘cause she’s good to look at on screen.